I love to visit other places of interest to me and learn about the culture of the place, history, and cuisine, etc., in the USA & around the world when I have the opportunity - it certainly adds a new perspective to life, makes one happier, and I strive to do more creatively!
Catalina Island - USA
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August 2022
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Travel to Catalina Island:
We flew to Los Angeles on an American airline and drove to Long Beach to take the Catalina Express Ferry which is about 1 hour to Avalon on Catalina Island. The vibe on the island is so amazing. Try to go during the week, because it is very busy on the weekend.
We stayed at the Vista Del Mar Hotel which is upstairs from a restaurant below; there is no elevator so you have to carry your luggage up two flights of stairs (we always travel light) or ask the front desk to help you; do not stay at the rooms below the restaurant; we moved to another room #12 and it was perfect thereafter. The hotel overlooks the ocean which is across the street from the hotel.
Fun Stuff to do:
We hiked to Wrigley's mansion at Atwater on top of the hill, but we could not go inside because of Covid unless you stayed at their B&B. It was quite a hike and we saw a deer with her babies suckling on her - it was awesome.
Parasailing was the most amazing experience even if you have height problems - just look straight ahead of you and it is so relaxing and we saw many dolphins and a whale too.
We snorkeled behind the landmark Casino; the ocean was quite rough and saw quite a lot of fish. Also swam at Desconso Beach.
The Echo Tour by the Conservancy was an interesting 2-hour drive around the island and 88% of the island is preserved; we saw the Bison/fox/flora, the famous writer's home, The Chimes Tower, airport in the sky, and beautiful scenic areas.
Also enjoyed the couple's massage at Catalina Sea Spa too and an awesome concert!
August 2022 - Catalina Island
Food:
The Naughty Fox Restaurant opposite the ocean was amazing; we tried their special Ahi Tuna Nachos, which was delish; Steve's Steak and Grill - amazing food overlooking the ocean; Maggies Blue Rose below the hotel we stayed at; Avalon Grille - yummy fish and vegetables right by the ocean; NDMK Fish House - best fish/chips (the fish is caught by the owner early a.m.) and Scoops homemade icc cream on the island.
Don't forget to pack these few items:
snorkeling equipment; floaties; tote bag; at least 2 bathing suits; motion sickness tablets if you need it; camera, binoculars, sweatshirt or light jacket for the ferry ride (its cold on the boat over to Avalon); chapstick; sunscreen; water shoes (lots of pebbles and small rocks in the ocean)
